>>19900339――You were active as a babyface, but in the 2018 team draft meeting, you transferred to the heel unit “Oedo-tai.”
Hazuki: I wasn't originally fighting as a babyface anyway, so stylistically, I thought, “This looks fun.” But I was frustrated that Io-san didn't pick me first in the draft. If she had chosen me, I could have stayed with QQ...
The Oedo Squad, holding the first pick, selected Hazuki in the third round. Io also wanted to acquire her in the third round.
Hazuki: “I realized I wasn't that important to them.” That only fueled my rebellious spirit—I vowed to climb my way up with the Oedo Squad and show them. Once I started performing, I felt this freedom, like “heels can get away with anything.” Back then, the Oedo Squad was this “beloved heel” kind of unit, and I think that's where I developed the mindset of wanting to entertain the fans.
――Did your approach to interacting with the crowd change compared to your babyface days?
Hazuki: Back in QQ, I was so focused on myself I barely noticed anyone else. I was constantly anxious, thinking “I have to do something” because I was always being compared to the other members and Io. But after joining the Oedo Squad, I realized, “It's okay to enjoy the matches more with the fans.” I believe who I am today is because of that time.
――The reason wasn't disclosed, but you left the ring once in December 2019.
Hazuki: Honestly, I didn't want to quit. It was youthful folly, I guess. I was caught up in the heat of the moment and just blurted out, “I'm done!”... Even while away from the ring, I constantly checked social media for updates. I often wondered, “If I were still in Stardom now, what would have become of me?”
――Did you keep training during that period?
Hazuki: Not at all. I didn't lift weights or anything. I just worked part-time jobs at convenience stores and izakayas.
